Each year, around 14,000 individuals pursue hunter education in Georgia. With over 500 active instructors in the state, you are part of a large team of dedicated volunteers teaching safe and responsible hunting. 

Becoming a Hunter Education Instructor

Thank you for your interest in teaching and mentoring the next generation of safe, knowledgeable and responsible hunters in Georgia. Follow these steps to become a certified hunter education instructor: 

1. Contact Wildlife Resources Division Hunter Development for an application to become a volunteer instructor. A member of our staff will contact you to provide you information on the next step—the online hunter education instructor course. Instructor candidates will have one month to complete the 8-hour online hunter education instructors’ course. The online instructor course provides an overview of the Hunter Education Program, as well as providing instruction on public speaking and best teaching practices.After completing the course, instructor candidates must send their course completion certificate to Calvin Cole (calvin.cole@dnr.ga.gov).
2. Basic Hunter Education Course: After completing the online hunter education instructors’ training, we ask that potential instructors complete a basic hunter education course. Candidates will take the course online and complete the end of course test and a course evaluation. This process provides candidates an opportunity to experience one of the courses their students will be taking and ensure that hunter education standards are understood. Candidates have one month to complete the 8-hour basic hunter education course and must send the test completion paperwork and course evaluation to Calvin Cole (calvin.cole@dnr.ga.gov).
3. Hunter Education Academy: The final step in becoming a certified hunter education instructor is attending a Hunter Education Academy. These are offered twice a year (second weekend in April and second weekend in August). Candidates must attend within 10 months of completing Step 2. This ensures certifications are timely and that new information is sent to candidates in an efficient manner. During the Academy, potential instructors will review the Hunter Education Program administrative procedures, participate in a live fire exercise and receive hands-on tree stand safety instruction. Candidates will also be asked to make a presentation to the group regarding hunter safety. Upon successful completion of a written test, candidates will receive their instructor certification.

Information for Experienced Hunter Education Instructors

Your time and dedication as a Hunter Education Instructor is vital to ensuring that new hunters continue to learn about this time-honored tradition. Following is information that you may find helpful as you conduct classes.

• Hunter Education: Course Set-up Guidelines (How to Navigate the Go Outdoors System and administer hunter education classes)
• Hunter Education Course Application Form (Scheduling a Hunter Ed Course)
• Hunter Education Instructor Time Sheet
• Advanced Hunter Education Instructor Time Sheet
• Hunter Education: Student Information Form/Walk-in Form
• Hunter Education Instructor Newsletter (most recent)
• Hunter Education Pass Fail Roster

Hunter Education Instructor Professional Development Program

Every Georgia HE instructor must attend one professional development event every year, which counts as part of the 8-hour time commitment. Events will be scheduled in each region by the Hunter Development Program. A list of available events listed below: